Bahamas Packing List: What to Take to the Caribbean Paradise

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The Bahamas is a beach-lovers paradise. With warm weather and sunshine nearly all year round, there’s hardly a bad time to be in your bathing suit. This also means packing light is super easy since you don’t have to worry about preparing for the cold.

Not sure what to pack for your trip? We’ve compiled the ultimate packing list for the Bahamas, complete with everything you need to have with you. Use it as a guideline when creating your own packing list to use when getting ready for your beach vacation.

Appropriate clothing

While the weather in the Bahamas is generally warm, you can expect some rain every now and again, especially if you visit during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. Here’s what you should have with you to adjust to any weather during your stay.

Women’s clothes for the Bahamas

1. 4-5 pairs of socks;
2. 4-5 pairs of underwear;
3. 3-4 T-shirts;
4. A long sleeve shirt for sun protection;
5. 1-2 pairs of shorts;
6. 1-2 pairs of pants;
7. 1-2 sundresses;
8. An outfit for going out;
9. Flip flops or slippers
10. 1-2 swimsuits;
11. Walking shoes;
12. 1-2 bras;
13. A sports bra;
14. A light rain jacket;
15. A light sweater for cool evenings or nights out.

Men’s clothes for the Bahamas

1. 4-5 pairs of socks;
2. 4-5 pairs of underwear;
3. 3-4 T-shirts;
4. A long sleeve shirt for sun protection;
5. 1-2 pairs of shorts;
6. 1-2 pairs of pants;
7. An outfit for going out;
8. Flip flops or slippers
9. 1-2 swimming trunks;
10. Walking shoes;
11. A light rain jacket;
12. A light sweater for cool evenings or nights out.

Needless to say, if you’re staying for a longer period of time or simply don’t have a spot to wash your clothes — you’re going to need to pack more. The hot and humid climate means that you’ll probably want to change your outfit nearly every day you’re there.

Beach essentials

If you’re researching the Bahamas as your next holiday destination, you’re probably going to spend quite a bit of time on the beach. Make sure to prepare for it properly. The strong tropical sun will get you if you don’t protect yourself, and you may have to spend a day or two indoors just because of the sunburns.

Here are a few things you may want to have with you to enjoy the beach to the fullest:

1. Beach bag to pack your stuff;
2. Beach towel;
3. Sunscreen or other types of sun protection;
4. A sun hat;
5. Sunglasses;
6. UPF 50+ protective clothing;
7. Plenty of water.

While it’s tempting to spend the whole day sipping Piña Coladas in the sun, make sure you drink plenty of water as well. Apply sunscreen generously and make sure to mix in some time in the shade as well. Doing so will help you get the golden brown you desire without burning or drying out your skin.

Travel documents

This is by far the least exciting part of the packing list, but if you want to visit Paradise Island, you’ll have to have your documents ready. Here’s what you don’t want to forget to take with you to the airport:

1. Passport;
2. Plane tickets;
3. Driver’s license;
4. Health and travel insurance;
5. Visa (if applicable).

Needless to say, you won’t be able to leave your country or board the plane without having a passport or plane tickets with you. The other documents aren’t a must, but it’s definitely a good idea to have them.

A driver’s license allows you to rent a car and explore Bahamas on your own while also serving as a form of identification in case you lose your passport. Health and travel insurance also aren’t required to enter the country, but they give you peace of mind knowing that both your luggage and your health are insured.

Lastly, visitors from the US don’t need a visa if they’re coming for a vacation that’s no longer than 90 days. However, visitors from other countries may require a visa to enter the Bahamas, so make sure you have one if you need it.

Toiletries and healthcare products

While you can get most toiletries and healthcare products in the Bahamas, you may have to pay a tourist’s premium. Products in touristy areas can be a lot more expensive, so you might want to take some essentials with you when you travel. 

On top of that, you may not be able to buy prescription medication in the country. So make sure to pack your medication and have the prescription with you in case the airport security has any questions about it.

Here’s an example of what your toiletry bag may look like:

1. Deodorant;
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste;
3. Shampoo and conditioner;
4. Soap or body wash;
5. Feminine hygiene products;
6. Hair and makeup products;
7. Tissues and wet wipes;
8. Lip balm;
9. Hair ties;
10. Prescription medication (if you need it).

Gadgets and electronic devices

Traveling without any electronics seems impossible nowadays, so make sure you have everything that you need with you. Make sure you have your phone and a charger. If you plan to use a laptop or tablet during your stay, pack them along with their chargers as well.

You’ll find type A and B sockets in the Bahamas, just like in the United States. But if you’re traveling from Europe or any other country, you might need an adapter to be able to use your electronic devices in the country. Grab a power bank with you as well, it may come in handy when you leave your hotel for a longer period of time.

On top of packing your electronics, you should take care of your internet connection in advance as well. That’s where Holafly comes into play. It offers eSIM cards for the Bahamas and an eSIM for the entire Caribbean region. The latter provides coverage in most Caribbean countries, which is perfect if you plan on visiting more than just the Bahamas on your trip.

An eSIM can be set up remotely, and you can buy the card in advance. All that’s left for you to do is activate it when you arrive in the Bahamas, and you’ll instantly have access to the internet. This is far more convenient and cheaper than paying for data roaming charges or buying a local physical SIM card.

Packing for a cruise in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is nearly as popular for its cruises as it is for beaches. These multi-day boat rides offer a fantastic way to see more of the stunning views that the Bahamas has to offer. That said, you might want to pack your bags a bit differently for a cruise compared to what you’d have in your backpack if you stayed on land.

Here are some additional things you should consider packing for a cruise trip in the Bahamas:

1. A formal suit/dress — many cruises have formal dinners, and you’d most likely look out of place if you wore just shorts and a T-shirt;
2. Water boots — the beaches you may visit during a multi-day cruise can have a rockier terrain. Water boots help you with grip on slippery surfaces and protect your feet from cuts;
3. Waterproof bag/phone case — you’ll be spending several days on the water, with a lot of time swimming in the ocean itself. Protect your phone and other electronic devices that can be damaged by water with a waterproof bag or case just to be safe and avoid costly damages.

Other than that, your packing list shouldn’t look much different for a cruise compared to what you’d pack for a beach vacation. Make sure you have plenty of clothes for warm weather, maybe a light jacket for a night out on the ship’s deck, and smother yourself in sun protection to avoid getting sunburnt.

How to prepare for a trip to the Bahamas

The preparation for any memorable vacation doesn’t start and end with a packing list. As with all international travel, you’re going to want to prepare things like flight tickets, accommodation, and inform your workplace about your holiday well in advance.

Both flight tickets and accommodation can get very expensive if you don’t book them in time. So make sure to start checking the prices at least a few months before your trip. This is especially important if you plan to travel during the peak season, which lasts from November through April. 

You may also want to research possible activities you’d like to partake in during your trip. There are many outdoor adventures to take on in the Bahamas, including snorkeling, kayaking, and the tourist favorite — swimming with pigs in the ocean. 

Contact the people who offer these activities and book your tours in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on some great vacation experiences.

Packing for a 7-day trip to the Bahamas

Once you’ve got your flights, accommodation, and activities taken care of — it’s time to start thinking about packing your bags. Here’s a complete checklist of things you may want to bring for a 7-day vacation to the Bahamas:

1. 4-5 pairs of socks;
2. 4-5 pairs of underwear;
3. 3-4 T-shirts;
4. A long sleeve shirt for sun protection;
5. 1-2 pairs of shorts;
6. 1-2 pairs of pants;
7. An outfit for going out;
8. Flip flops or slippers
9. 1-2 swimsuits/swimming trunks;
10. Walking shoes;
11. A light rain jacket;
12. A light sweater for cool evenings or nights out;
13. Beach bag to pack your stuff;
14. Beach towel;
15. Sunscreen or other types of sun protection;
16. A sun hat;
17. Sunglasses;
18. UPF 50+ protective clothing;
19. Plenty of water;
20. Passport;
21. Plane tickets;
22. Driver’s license;
23. Health and travel insurance;
24. Visa (if applicable);
25. Deodorant;
26. Toothbrush and toothpaste;
27. Shampoo and conditioner;
28. Soap or body wash;
29. Feminine hygiene products;
30. Hair and makeup products;
31. Tissues and wet wipes;
32. Lip balm;
33. Hair ties;
34. Prescription medication (if you need it);
35. Cell phone and laptop/tablet;
36. Chargers for your electronics;
37. A travel adapter;
38. A power bank;
39. An eSIM for a steady internet connection.

Needless to say, this list isn’t exhaustive, and you can adjust it to match your own personal needs and preferences. Once you’ve got your list ready, use it to double-check your luggage and ensure you have everything with you before you leave the house.

Enjoy your holiday in the Bahamas with peace of mind

Coming up with a packing list for your holiday trip may not be the most exciting thing. But having one handy and sticking to it means that you can relax from the moment you board the plane, knowing that you have everything you need with you.

Whether you use our guide as a baseline for your own list or create one from scratch — a packing list will save you a lot of stress whenever you travel.

FAQ about things to bring to the Bahamas

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